A number of documentaries pertaining to specific scenes and genres in heavy metal, most notably grindcore and black metal, have been posted online via YouTube and are now available to watch, uninterupted, from start to finish. "Grindcore - 85 Minutes Of Brutal Heavy Metal," features segments on a number of bands signed to Earache Records during the 1990's, including Napalm Death, Morbid Angel, Godflesh, Carcass and Paradise Lost amongst others and includes live footage, interviews and music videos.

Meanwhile, two different documentaries on black metal have also been posted online, including "Until The Light Takes Us," which examines the black metal scene in Norway during the 1990's and looks at such bands as Burzum and Darkthrone, complete with interviews with Gylve "Fenriz" Nagell and the then incarcerated Varg Vikernes. Alternatively, there is "Murder Music: A History of Black Metal," a British documentary hosted by Contraband Candy host René Ackermann that gives a much broader insight into black metal, tracing the genre's roots from the theatrics of Black Widow to the Christian black metal scene, and everything in between. You can view all of these films below. More...

A new documentary examining the thrash metal scene in the United Kingdom has recently been announced, entitled, "History Of A Time To Come," which takes it's name from the debut album by Sabbat. A recent post about the documentary by Lawnmower Deth guitarist Concorde Faceripper reads as follows:

"I'm pleased to announce that Lawnmower Deth have recently spent a few fun filled hours being interviewed for a new documentary about the UK thrash scene.

"The kind fellows at A History Of A Time To Come - The Story Of UK Thrash invited us to Leeds to be filmed for a new project which will aim to document the history of the UK thrash scene and will include live footage of past and present UK thrash bands interlaced with interviews with bands from each era. More...

As has been discussed before, while thrash metal was influenced by the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, thrash metal bands in the United Kingdom found little success. Out of the several British thrash bands worth mentioning, arguably only two really stand out. We’ve already taken a look at one of them, Bristol’s, Onslaught, so this week, we’ll be examining the history of Nottingham’s Pagan thrashers, Sabbat. The band was originally formed under the moniker, Hydra in 1985 by vocalist Martin Walkyier and bass player Frazer Clarke, along with guitarist Adam Ferman. A second guitarist was recruited soon afterwards in the form of fifteen year old Andy Sneap, though two weeks later he became the band’s sole guitarist when Ferman quit, taking drummer Mark Daley with him, leaving the drum stool open for Simon Negus. With the new members on board, the group decided that a change in name was appropriate and settled on Sabbat, after finding it in a book on witchcraft. Once Sabbat released a demo entitled, "Fragments Of A Faith Forgotten," they saw their popularity soar, receiving a two page spread in Kerrang magazine, a BBC Radio One session, a flexi disc release for Warhammer’s White Dwarf magazine and eventually a record deal with Germany’s, Noise Records (the label had previously shown interest in the band, but were unable to sign them because Andy Sneap was not yet eighteen.)

In May 1988, the band released their debut full length album, "History Of A Time To Come," which garnered rave reviews from critics and was very popular amongst thrash fans for it’s different approach to thrash metal. The album also received a lot of interest as a result of it’s lyrical themes which contained well researched insights into the occult and religion. They followed this record with their sophomore release, "Dreamweaver," a concept album based on the book The Way of The Wyrd by Brian Bates. On this record, the songs were noticeably longer and featured a new member in second guitarist Simon Jones. Although the album was hailed as a classic, it helped to fuel the tensions within the band, as some of the members expressed concern regarding the growing length of the songs. These feelings, combined with poor management and the lack of interest from Noise, caused an internal meltdown. Guitarist Simon Jones quit the band during a U.K. tour and was replaced by Neil Watson, who appears on the live video, "The End Of The Beginning." Bassist Frazer Clarke decided to quit the music industry entirely not long afterwards and Sneap and Negus took over the band, outing Walkyier and bringing in new vocalist Richie Desmond, along with bass player Wayne Banks. For many fans, “Dreamweaver” marks the last Sabbat album but this lineup recorded a third record studio album entitled, “Mourning Has Broken,” which was released in 1991.While not without it’s praise, the album was considered nowhere near the level of quality that the first two records had set, and so the band decided to call it a day soon after.

A reunion was scheduled to take place in 2001 by Martin Walkyier, who brought with him Clarke and Simon Jones, but this was blocked by Sneap, who felt that since the other members had quit, leaving him and Negus to take care of the bad financial situation the group was in, amongst other problems, they had no right to the Sabbat name. Instead this lineup toured under the moniker, Return To Sabbat but folded in 2003. However, fans were delighted to hear that in 2006, Sabbat would return to the stage, this time utilising the "Dreamweaver" lineup. The shows were a result of Cradle Of Filth frontman Dani Filth’s longtime appreciation of the band, and it was he who convinced Andy Sneap to reunite the band, in return for a special guest slot on Cradle Of Filth’s short tour of the United Kingdom that year. The reunited performances were a hit and to celebrate, Sabbat re-released "History Of A Time To Come" and "Dreamweaver" with bonus tracks the next year. Since then, the band has continued to perform sporadically across Europe and have stated that, while they have found the shows to be a lot of fun, there are no plans to record a new studio album. More...

U.K. thrash metallers Sabbat has announced it's participation in the upcoming edition of the Damnation Festival. Sabbat will perform on the Jagermeister Stage. Damnation Festival 2010 takes place on Saturday, November 6, in Leeds University Union. The Dillinger Escape Plan and Paradise Lost will now co-headline the downsized event, along with Hardcore punk act Discharge who has also been announced to perform.

Festival Director Gavin McInally said: "It's no secret we've had a tough year of it so being able to confirm two top acts like Discharge and Sabbat is a real pleasure.

"Aside from the Jagermeister Stage competition and perhaps another smaller band on the Terrorizer Stage, the bill is pretty much complete for this year and despite the lack of an exclusive headliner we're delighted to once again put together a three stage line-up we're immensely proud of."

At the recent Accept concert in London, England, the band was joined on stage by Sabbat guitarist Andy Sneap, who also produced the band's new studio album, "Blood Of The Nations," to perform the classic song, "Balls To The Wall." You can check out fan filmed footage below. "Blood Of The Nations" is scheduled to be released on August 20th in Europe and September 14th in North America and will be the first album to feature new vocalist Mark Tornillo. More...

British thrash metal veterans Sabbat has revealed that they have been dropped from Arch Enemy's tour of the United Kingdom, which is scheduled to kick off in November. A message from the band reads as follows:

"Just received the following email: 'Arch Enemy feel your August dates will pull heads away from the November tour dates, and feel it is best that you do not do the November tour.'

"So we look forward to seeing everyone who hasn't seen Sabbat in a while in August where we can do a headline set anyway. Apologies to anyone with tickets to see us on the Arch Enemy shows, I'm sure they'll be great... hopefully no volcanos in November. Anyone seeking a refund should contact point of purchase."

British thrash metal legends Sabbat has announced that they will be embarking on a headlining tour of the United Kingdom this August, bringing with them Imperial Vengeance and Cinders Fall. The tour has been dubbed the "Mad Gods & Englishmen" tour and features performances on the following dates:

Swedish heavy metal outfit Arch Enemy has announced that they will be embarking on a headlining tour of the United Kingdom in April and they will be bringing two special guests with them in the form of legendary British thrash metal band Sabbat and Norwegian band Enslaved. A message from Arch Enemy lead singer Angela Gossow reads as follows:

"We strongly felt its time to visit the shores of The United Kingdom Of Heavy Metal again! We miss you, ladies and gentlemen!!! We only did the Bloodstock festival in 2009. It was a fantastic gig and reminded us of why we love the Amott brothers' homeland so much. Even better, we are bringing the U.K. cult thrashers Sabbat with us and the Norwegian sons of darkness, Enslaved! We will cook up a devastating setlist for this run and won't leave any prisoners behind. Get ready for the Metal Hammer Meltdown attack!"

British thrash metal veterans Sabbat has confirmed that they will be performing at this year's Download Festival. A message from guitarist Andy Sneap reads as follows:

"We are pleased to announce that after months of being really annoying and badgering the fuck out of Andy Copping, the man responsible for Download, he finally broke down and added Sabbat to the bill on Sunday (June 14th). We have to be the most local band ever to play at Castle Donington (I'll refer to it as Donington from now on and pretend its still one stage in 1984) having been in attendance most years and even walking to the festival a couple of times. I must say I have been somewhat disappointed in the lack of pigs heads, bottles of piss and turds thrown in carriers bags during the latter years, kids today just don't know how to enjoy a good festival! I personally am looking forward to getting one half of my face sunburnt Richard Dreyfus style and feeling like George Best's left kidney on the 15th. Should be fun!"

British thrash metal legends Sabbat has announced that they will have to cancel their performance at the upcoming Hammerfest show in Wales due to guitarist Andy Sneap being needed to complete the new Megadeth album. A message posted via their official Myspace says:

"It is with regret we have to announce we are having to cancel our Hammerfest appearance at Pontins Prestatyn on the 25th April due to Andy's schedule being moved forward producing the new Megadeth album in California.

"He now returns to San Diego on April 10th to begin the final month of tracking, returning to the UK to mix for June deadline.

Opeth has been announced as the headlining act for the first day of Hammerfest which takes place in Pontins, Prestatyn Sands, Wales on April 24th and 25th. The headliner on the second day will be Bullet For My Valentine. The festival promises a treat for fans of every genre of metal with the following bands confirmed:

AlestormAnnotations Of An AutopsyBullet For My ValentineCathedralDream EvilEvileExit TenGrand MagusHammerfallOpethSabbatSaxonSkindredTrigger The BloodshedTyr

Hammerfest, which is to be held in Pontins, Prestatyn Sands, North Wales on April 24th - 25th has announced their first batch of acts. The first bands confirmed for the festival are Saxon, Skindred, Cathedral, Bullet For My Valentine, Hammerfall, Sabbat, Dream Evil, Trigger The Bloodshed, Alestorm, Tyr, Exit Ten, Annotations Of An Autopsy and Grand Magus. More bands and details will be announced shortly.

UK thrash band Sabbat have posted an extensive tour diary on their website. A few excerpts from the diary are available to view below.

By the hand of fate and the alignment of planets it came to be that we were finally able to "Bat Into America". With our 'stage set in a suitcase" and the promise of all other equipment waiting for us we were at last on our way to the land of the free and the home of the brave. Martin had already flown ahead ,experiencing a 24 hour delay in Chicago, to hook up with long time friend John Snelling who was to handle our merchandise on all four dates. The rest of the band and soundman/vampire James Dunkley flew out to New York a couple of days later. Tour management and guitar teching were to be in the more than capable hands of Andy's long time friends Richard Ward and Mike Martin (of the bands Stuck Mojo and Fozzy).

Next day, Sunday, was showday and we got some fantastic views of the New York cityscape and skyline as we journeyed in to the centre and BB Kings Blues Club. Nerves were on edge prior to showtime but there was no need to worry; we are playing better than ever and the fans are baying maniacs who have waited nigh on 20 years for this. We did not aim to disappoint ! Cautionary, Hosanna, Clerical, Crooked Cross, Dark Horses, Eye 4 an Eye, Best of Enemies, How Have the Mighty, Church Bizzare, Wildfire and For Those Who Died; the numbers sped by and all too soon its over and we're celebrating our first US gig like the kids we started out as. We spend as much time as we can meeting fans and sharing some beers. Eventually, we get back but without Gizz. He is very kindly being driven back to the hotel by a fan who has the same directional dysfunctionality as our taxi driver and eventually has to leave Gizz at a garage in order to get another taxi back to the hotel. Kin,ell its only been 24 hours and we nearly a man down already! More...

This is what GAMA BOMB had to say about playing up and down the UK to riotous reception night after night, with two of the greatest thrash bands around today:

"The G-Bizzers have just returned from our UK tour with Exodus and Evile, and what a week it's been...kicking off in London, we had one of the best receptions we've ever had and were thrilled to play the Underworld, which has always been something of an ambition of ours. Leeds the next night was an even better set, and those who assembled really made us feel welcome, which was cool. Dublin was possibly the most surprising night by a mile: expecting a decent reception and some friendly back-slapping, we were astonished by how well we went down. We managed to sell more tees than we even had in London, which was great. We definitely owe them Dublin thrashers more gigs like that one."

Irish thrashers Gama Bomb have unleashed four brand new songs on their MySpace page. The songs come off their upcoming Earache full-length debut, 'Citizen Brain', due out on May 19th worldwide. Recorded at Grindstone Studios with producer Scott Atkins, 'Citizen Brain' features 15 blistering tracks of classic, frantic thrash metal. The album will be available on CD, limited edition CD with bonus DVD, and limited edition vinyl. The four new tracks are: "Zombie Blood Nightmare," "Hammer Slammer," "Evil Voices," and "Final Fight."

The band checks in once again with another update straight from Grindstone Studios about the recording of their EARACHE debut, CITIZEN BRAIN (produced by Scott Atkins):

"If making amazing albums is a crime, we're going to be sent down for life when CITIZEN BRAIN gets released (slated for mid-May, fact fans). Drums are complete, as evidenced by Paul spending his days playing Hitman with a beer, and we're coming to the end of guitar tracking. Luke and Domo have been putting in long days, scrutinizing every riff and lick with Scott, and the results sound amazing. Philly is now getting into the thick of the vocal takes, too, and is packing in some seriously balls-to-the-wall screaming in late-night sessions. Unfortunately, he hasn't been spotted wearing sunglasses while doing takes like Glen Benton. A recent memo from EARACHE advised that 'more falsettos = better', and we're certainly going to deliver on that."

"Last week saw Tom Luchtenstein from MUTANT and Jamie from Resilience Records swing by the studio to deliver some hilariously brilliant backing vocals on a few tunes, only to callously leave us again like the Milk Tray man in the night. We got over it. We also got the first pencil roughs for CITIZEN BRAIN's album cover back from our man in New York, the brilliant Jeff Zornow. It looks amazing. If you see one picture of robot arms coming out of mouths this year, make this it." More...

RAVENS CREED, the "VENOM-worshipping scumbags" featuring ORANGE GOBLIN's Ben Ward, as well as Steve Watson (ex-IRON MONKEY), Jason Graham and James Kiely, have announced the addition of former SABBAT bassist Frazer Craske to the group's ranks. "We are currently rehearsing for the 'Albion Thunder' UK tour in May, and will be recording 'Hail the Warbeast' and 'Secret Garden' for a Land O' Smiles 12" for release soon," says the band. "This will be our third release with the holy Land O' Smiles recording organization."